Hot to get into motorcycle racing- 4 steps to get you started
Inspired by MotoGP and BSB? Fancy becoming the next Casey Stoner or Jenny Tinmouth? Or are you a serious adrenaline junkie looking for a new challenge? Even if you never make it to the podium, motorcycle racing can be the most exciting thing you ever do with your spare time. It’s exercise for body and mind- and it beats a pile of speeding tickets! We’re here to help you get started, by giving you the basics of how to get into motorcycle racing.
1. Try out a Track Day
Find out what it’s like to live your adrenaline-fuelled dreams by taking part in a track day. This is the best way to get a sense of whether motorcycle racing is for you. Track days are a great source of expert training and advice, and a chance to meet some like-minded bikers. Let’s face it, they’re also a hell of a lot of fun! Look for companies that offer a full package: refreshments, training, transport and gear hire to get the most out of the day. If you are already an old hand at track days, coming in at the top of the fast groups is a good indication that you’re ready for club level racing.
2. Join the club
On your journey to the starting grid, it’s best to find some buddies to ride along with you. Find a few different racing clubs near you and attend their race meets. All the written information out there can’t beat a chat with some real racers- they’re likely to open up if you buy them a beer! Have a chinwag with the officials and take a walk round the paddock, imagine yourself on the starting grid and see if you feel like you could fit in to the racing world. You’ll need to join a club to apply for your ACU license (more on this below). Clubs will require a sight test and membership fees, and will want to make sure you’ve got the right gear.
3. Don’t forget the legal bits!
The Auto Cycle Union is the official governing body for motorcycle sports in the UK. Whether road racing or off-road is your thing, you’ll need an ACU license to compete in any motorcycle sports. You’ll have to apply for this license through your club before you can compete. First-time applicants will also need to complete the CTC (Competitor Training Course) and the BRA (Basic Rider Assessment), which are also run by the ACU throughout the year. Once you’ve got the legal bits sorted, you’ll be ready to start racing.
4. Get geared up
The gear you’ll need for road racing is slightly different from what you’ll normally use. A full face, ACU approved lid is a must, as is a one-piece leather racing suit (you might get away with a zipped-up two-piece on track days). Back protectors and additional armour aren’t essential, but they’ll certainly help you to get over the line in one piece. A pair of snug, comfortable leather gloves and some proper 200mm-high leather boots will keep your extremities protected; knee sliders are a good idea too. Whatever you buy, check that it’s CE approved and get the best gear you can afford!
And you’re off! If you’re thinking, ‘I’m just an ordinary guy/girl, how could I ever be a racer?’ then get inspired by Taz Taylor. Taz is a local racer from Mansfield Woodhouse, sponsored by us here at Two Wheel Centre. Taz reached an amazing 2nd place in the Motul Motostar British 125GP championship in 2014- and he’s only 17 years old!
